Headmaster Koh Yin Piul said the fully air-conditioned staff room, which was converted from a vacant hall, was part of several upgrading works carried out at the school.

“Work was also carried out to put up a concrete fence around the school compound.

Site tour: Kong (right) and chairman of SJK(C) Chung Cheng’s board of governors chairman Yong Kon Fatt (left) checking out the new staff room.

“We also have a new basketball court,” said Koh, adding that the upgrading works had taken three months to complete.

While the appearance of the 101-year-old school had been given a facelift, Koh said the development of the students’ inner self must not be neglected.

“It is the responsibility of teachers to ensure this,” he said during the school’s Teacher’s Day celebration dinner on Monday.

The school has a total of 890 students and 54 teachers.

Lumut MP Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, who was present, encouraged students to complete their tertiary education before venturing into the working world.

“There are people like (Microsoft co-founder) Bill Gates, (Apple Inc co-founder) Steve Jobs and (Facebook co-creator) Mark Zuckerberg, who with their extraordinary talents, did not complete their university or college and yet, managed to move up in the world.

“But we need a reality check. How many of us are actually like them?” he asked.

Kong said students were free to admire and respect the talents of these people and also be inspired by their success stories.

“But make the effort to complete your studies first,” he said.

Kong, who is also Transport Minister, said teachers should always encourage students to be patriotic and cultivate their love for the country.

Sitiawan assemblyman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, who also attended the dinner, said teachers could create a lasting impression on their students’ lives, interests and pursuits.

He said his life was transformed when his Year Four teacher showed concern in his academic performance.

“The teacher corrected my misconception that only sons and daughters of headmasters and teachers could excel in studies,” said Ngeh, who comes from a family of rubber-tappers.

-The Star-

It was a quiet fishing village in Manjung district in the good old days. Lumut underwent rapid transformation when the Royal Malaysian Navy made the town the “Home of the Navy” in 1979. It never look back since then.

Lumut MP Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the population influx had also led to the development of new townships in the district, such as Seri Manjung, about 8km from Lumut, to meet their housing needs.

Not a sleepy hollow: Lumut enjoys growth potential thanks to a bustling maritime industry.

There are about 19,000 navy personnel at the Lumut Naval Base out of the 223,800 population in Manjung.

Kong said many retired navy personnel and their family members also chose to stay here and contribute to the district’s population, growth and development.

He said there were ample maritime-related job opportunities available in Lumut for retired navy personnel who possessed relevant skills.

Born and bred in Sitiawan — about 10km from Lumut — Kong recalled Lumut as a quiet fishing village with few residents living in wooden houses three decades ago; a stark contrast to the busy tourist town it is now.

“Manjung experienced expansion of its road network, telecommunication system and mushrooming of public amenities since the navy descended on Lumut.

“The locals have not only adapted well to the change, but also participated alongside the development of Lumut and its neighbouring towns,” said Kong, who has been serving as Lumut’s MP for three terms.

But development does come with a price though.

Doing their bit: The large population of navy and ex-navy personnel and their families are a major drive for Manjung’s economy.

Manjung municipal councillor Loo Ming Cheong said there was a 500% increase in the price of single storey terrace houses now compared to in the 1970s.

“A single storey terrace house in Seri Manjung cost about RM100,000 now,” he said, adding that the township also housed the local administrative building, Manjung Hospital, sports complexes and shops.

Loo said Lumut was more of a commercial district nowadays, adding that many people who set up their business in the navy town were staying in Sitiawan or neighouring townships.

He said the navy — apart from being a growth catalyst — also played an active role in community development.

For instance, they organised activities to help the poor and made recommendations to the local council on how to improve their living conditions.

-The Star-

State Education, Youth and Sport Datuk Gan Tian Loo said the hardware would enable schools and police to detect the movement of pupils from the time they pin their school badges where a microchip is embedded.

“We are concerned over the spate of abductions involving students, hence the state is now in the midst of co-operating with the company to unveil the hardware in our schools,” he said after attending a Chinese school headmasters council’s annual general meeting.

The discussion was also attended by top police officers from the state where the issue on the safety of schoolchildren.

Gan said the hardware system could be also linked to the state police Internet server where pupils need only press a ‘panic button’ to activate a distress signal that flashes at the cop’s computer screen.

The system is being developed by Aspect Engineering of Taman Oakland Commercial Centre in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, where a grain-sized microchip would be embedded at the corner of school badges.

The microchip transmits a 125-kilohertz Radio Frequency signal (RF) and the device is as an emergency ID under its new SafeKid system that expected to be unveiled in January 2013.

Gan said the system had garnered the backing of the state to deter abduction cases like the recent kidnapping of 12-year-old Nayati Moodliar in Kuala Lumpur.

“The government was also told that this year alone, there were four other cases of attempted abductions were recorded in Selangor,” he said.

Gan said the company envisions placing walk-through scanners that is similar to metal-detector portals used in airports, at malls, bus stations and other areas where a missing child may appear.

“The system also could be used to identify children who are found unconscious, drugged and too young to identify themselves,” he said.

Gan said the software system also has a special scanner that reads the RF signal emitted by the microchip to obtain the device’s ID number, which then is entered into a database that would be placed at computer terminals.

He said system could be also used by school to register the attendance of the students and also to detect those truants.

Gan said it’s also difficult to circumvent the microchip embedded easily as the system as it would be design to function between efficiently during schooling days and hours.

“Therefore, it would be hard for those attempting to get rid of their school badges to so as the system could detect any attempts to do so,” he added.

-The Star-

Organised by the Petaling Jaya Utara Wanita MCA, the cooking demo was performed by Seputeh Wanita MCA chairman Chai Yat Chiew at the Loong Foong restaurant in Jalan SS25/23, Petaling Jaya.

“Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day by remembering the effort and sacrifices made by mothers everywhere while passing on the recipe of this special dish steeped in Chinese culture,” said Kampung Cempaka MCA branch chairman Tang Kat Huey, who was also one of the event’s organisers.

Kampung Tunku state liaison officer Kelvin Chong, echoed Tang’s sentiments, adding that he feared certain aspects of Chinese culture is fast disappearing among the Chinese youth in urban areas.

Cooking made easy: Chai (centre, in pink) frying some kailan, one of the accompaniments in making the traditional Hakka Lei Cha, while Tang (left) explains the other ingredients to be used in the dish.

“I remember my mother making Lei Cha for us, and I feel it’s vital that a dish this tasty and nutritious should be kept alive,” said Chong.

During the demonstration, Chai explained the origins of Lei Cha and Hakka cuisine in general.

“The supply of ingredients are more than sufficient as I would like everyone to have the opportunity to taste this dish. It is relatively easy to make and healthy too because almost everything is vegetable-based,” Chai explained.

She added that generally Lei Cha was made of pounded tea and herbs such as mint, basil and peppercorn. The rice served with the dish usually contains vegetables and roots such as radish, dried shrimps, dried tofu skin, peanuts and kailan.

“We will not season the tea as it is supposed to be drunk naturally. However, nothing is cast in stone,” said Chai.

Chai counselled the attendees to taste the rice before mixing it with the soup, so as to sample the different flavours of the dish.

Andrea Tan, an attendee, said that Lei Cha has always been one of her favourite dishes though she had never sampled one where onions were included.

“It is a little unusual, but really adds to the flavour. I can see why we were asked to sample the rice without the tea first. Otherwise the tea would have drowned out the rest of the flavours,” said Andrea.

-The Star-

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the Sultan of Johor was aware of the DAP’s campaign on the issue.

He said the Ruler had reminded his subjects that under the state Constitution, the post could be held only by a Muslim.

“If the state government wants a non-Muslim, it has to first amend the Constitution and gain two-thirds support of the state assembly,” said Dr Chua.

“It must then get the Sultan’s consent,” he said after Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar made a stopover at the century-old Tien How Chinese Temple here yesterday. The Sultan is on a statewide Kembara Makhota expedition.

Close bond: Sultan Ibrahim shaking hands with his subjects during a visit to the Tien How temple in Batu Pahat Wednesday. Looking on is Dr Chua.

The MCA chief was commenting on news reports that quoted Johor DAP chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau as saying that although the Johor Constitution allowed only Malay Muslims to be appointed mentri besar, non-Muslims could hold the post if the Sultan gave his consent.

Dr Chua pointed out DAP’s difficulty in getting a suitable mentri besar for Perak when Pakatan Rakyat briefly took control of the state after the 2008 general election.

He said that although the DAP had won 18 seats, the mentri besar’s post was given to a member of PAS, which only won five state seats.

Meanwhile, the Sultan’s motorcycle convoy was greeted by lion and dragon dances at the temple in Jalan Fatimah here at about 8am.

The Ruler handed out gift hampers to 20 poor families.

The Tien How temple, one of the oldest here, celebrated its 100th year on April 13.

Commenting on the Ruler’s visit, Dr Chua said it was “meaningful to the Chinese community”.

“Although he is the head of Islamic affairs, the Sultan cares about all religions,” he said.

“He reminded the Chinese to stay united and for all races to work together to develop the country.

“The Sultan has stressed that there will be no development without harmony,” Dr Chua added.

-The Star-

The event, expected to begin at 7.30am, will end with a dinner at about 10pm.

The leaders will go on a walkabout at morning markets and hold meet-the-public-sessions.

Among those who will accompany Dr Chua are Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, Housing and Local Go­­vernment Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Hung, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Gan Ping Sieu, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong and Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Heng Seai Kie.

Klang Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Teh Kim Poo said the roadshow would give the public an opportunity to bring to the leaders whatever problems they faced.

“There will also be a talk on Urban Storm Water Management system by Chor,” he said yesterday.

“Anyone can attend this talk from 9.30am to 3.30pm at SJKC Pandamaran A.

“This will give them an insight on the floods that hit Klang recently.”

-The Star-

Press Statement by MCA Central Committee Member and Deputy Chairman of MCA Publicity Bureau Sdr Loh Seng Kok

Pakatan is insincere in asking Tunku Abdul Aziz to stay

The leaders of DAP are really hypocrites as on one hand, you hear Lim Kit Siang saying he feels ‘heartbroken’ over Tunku Abdul Aziz qutting the party while on the other hand, Tan Kok Wai rains criticism on him, tarnishing his name. 

In order to keep Tunku Abdul Aziz, Lim Guan Eng’s side has persuaded him to stay and offered a stipend of RM 50,000 to go with it. Isn’t it a clear attempt by DAP to bribe Tunku Abdul Aziz? Isn’t this a disgraceful and outrageous insult to the founder of the Malaysian chapter of Transparency International (TI-M)? 

Tunku Aziz’s decision to leave the party has revealed that all is not good as it seems in DAP. It is obvious that there exists discord and feuds within the party, but the leaders are not allowed to speak of it.

Lim Guan Eng’s and Tan Kok Wai’s reactions towards his resignation contradict each other respectively. Lim Guan Eng did not bother about the reasons behind his withdrawal. However, he sought to persuade him to stay afterwards to save his father, Lim Kit Siang’s name. Tan Kok Wai on the other hand, refuses the return of Tunku Abdul Aziz in order to prevent further dissenting voices from occurring within the party.

No matter how pretentiously DAP tries to act sincere in keeping Tunku Aziz to stay with them, this series of events have proven that DAP will not tolerate any dissidents within the party. Their authoritarian style of leadership suppresses and puts to end any leaders with differing opinions. All will be punished in DAP for not toeing the leaders’ line.

Loh Seng Kok
Member of MCA Central Committee
Member of MCA Presidential Council
Deputy Chairman of MCA Publicity Bureau

-MCA online-

Press Statement by MCA State Assemblyman for Gurun, Dr Leong Yong Kong 

DAP is never what they claimed to be

DAP must be blasted for its lofty claims of being a transparent and democratic party representing multiracial Malaysians, when it is practically a Chinese-based party which restricts  freedom of speech for party members.

DAP Vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz’s resignation reveals to us that any conflicting opinions within DAP cannot be aired in the open. All dissidents who do not toe the party line will be rudely sidelined by their party leaders.

Since the unexpected gain in the last general election, the young leaders in DAP have grown in arrogance and highhandedly oppressing others who dare to differ within the party. The party has been rigged with favoritism and nepotism.Leaders who are outspoken with realistic and relatively honest stand like  Perak state vice chairman M. Kulasegaran, Selangor state assembly Speaker Dato’ Teng Chang Khim and national Chairman Karpal Singh were not treated respectably by the ruling elites in the party. 

Tunku Abdul Aziz’s departure from DAP was predictably due to immense pressure from those arrogant party favorites . To uphold his political integrity and ideals, he had no other option but to quit DAP. The Rocket is led by selfish, narrow minded and shortsighted leaders  and there is no place for honest people.

His resignation has dealt a huge blow to the party. It exposed  DAP’s ultrahypocrisy judging by its never ending rhetoric on transparency, integrity and democracy. These are merely false promise of highest deceit,and being once an insider,Tunku Abdul Aziz surely know the real taste of DAP. 

I hope Tunku Aziz’s bitter experience in DAP wont impede his inspiration to continue serving Malaysia with high spirit and honesty. On the contrary, the ruling DAP leaders have once again revealed their true color and the people can now see the real picture of these hypocrites.

Dr Leong Yong Kong
MCA State Assemblyman for Gurun

-MCA online-

Press Statement by MCA Youth Education Bureau Chairman Sdr Chong Sin Woon

Guan Eng’s attempt to bribe Tunku Aziz using public funds has shown his true nature

The interview on Tunku Abdul Aziz has exposed the true facade of Lim Guan Eng. The interview has hinted to us that Lim Guan Eng will not hesitate to abuse public resources for selfish political gain. It truly is a disdainful sight.

According to the interview by ‘The Star’ with Tunku Abdul Aziz, Lim Guan Eng has offered him a senior fellowship in Penang Institute and a stipend of RM50,000 to go with it. This prompted him to hasten his decision to leave the party as claimed by Tunku Abdul Aziz. 

When Tunku Abdul Aziz first announced his decision to quit the party, Lim Guan Eng had not provided an immediate response to his departure and only held a press conference calling for his return after the issue had escalated. Subsequently, Lim had attempted to use his position as Chief Minister of Penang to try to bribe Tunku Aziz through the misuse of government resources and public funds. Alas, the cat is out of the bag of Lim’s true nature.

I think that it is incredibly disgraceful of Lim Guan Eng to think that Tunku Aziz will so easily succumb to greed. It is a grave insult with intentions to humiliate Tunku Aziz and tarnish his reputation. Lim Guan Eng has turned his back on the noble values of honesty and integrity he once preached. Thankfully, Tunku Abdul Aziz will never stoop so low, and I believe the people will forever keep in mind of his uprightness.

This is not the first time since the top ranks of DAP have attempted to eradicate any dissidents. They have repeatedly gagged all voices of dissatisfaction from leaking out to the public for the party’s image. Tunku Abdul Aziz’s departure reinforces my statement, proving that they will never tolerate leaders who do not toe the party line. DAP has long forsaken its image of a party represented by multiracial Malaysian leaders.

Sdr Chong Sin Woon
Chairman of MCA Youth Education Bureau

-MCA online-

Press Statement by MCA Perak Youth Deputy Chairman Ding Siew Chee

Ngeh Koo Ham ‘syok sendiri’, Buku Jingga education policies questionable

Ngeh Koo Ham has promised that if Pakatan takes over Putrajaya, the admission of non-Bumiputera students into local universities will be raised to 45%. I find this absurd and laughable. I challenge DAP to include this policy into their Buku Jingga and announce this introduction with PKR and PAS to the public, instead of making empty promises.

The education policies introduced by Pakatan are hazy and blur, especially on Chinese primary school education. There is no detailed and clear interpretation of what sort of measures will be taken by Pakatan to raise our education standards. DAP dares to brag in front of its supporters but is afraid to fight for the Chinese rights amongst the Pakatan parties.

DAP only talks the talk but doesn’t dare walk the walk. They have never placed any serious thought on the steps needed to implement the policies to benefit the people. Therefore, you can see Pakatan leaders each promising different changes and reformations to the people. Do not be fooled, for all these are populist measures.

If Ngeh Koo Ham wants to fight for fair and equal treatment, why did he promise to raise the admission quota for local universities? Isn’t he obviously supporting the Bumiputera quota set for local universities? DAP leaders constantly pride themselves on fighting for Chinese rights, but why did he not suggest the abolition of the Bumiputera quota instead? He had just made a self-contradictory notion.

Barisan Nasional has already taken practical measures to address education issues.  We strive to improve the quality of our education to compete with global standards. This simply cannot be achieved over night; precise, delicate and in-depth planning is required. It is not as simple as what Pakatan leaders have promised.  

Ding Siew Chee
MCA Perak Youth Deputy Chairman

-MCA online-